Tim Farron: 'I've never really had a luxury holiday'

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I spend a lot of time driving around my Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency [in the Lake District], which is about the same area as Greater London, in my old Volvo. I’ve recently been to Brussels – which, ironically, I can get to more quickly from London than I can get to my constituency – two or three times, in part because of the forthcoming referendum. And a few weeks ago, I went to the Greek island of Lesbos, where thousands of refugees are arriving every week, and what I saw there made a deep impression on me. My wife, kids and I tend to have one foreign holiday a year, either in France or Spain – this year we spent two weeks in Andalusia – to get a bit of sun and spend some time together as a family. Most recently, I spent a few days on the Isle of Arran with my family during the half-term break.

What do you need for a perfect holiday?

My family. Some good music on my iPod, among which must be a few tracks by my favourite band, Prefab Sprout. And two or three good page-turners – I’m a big fan of the late Henning Mankell’s crime books, and Robert Harris’s novels.

Carihuela beach in Malaga Photo: Getty Images

Where did you go on holiday as a child?

We didn’t go away much when I was a kid. But I’ll never forget a couple of holidays in Wales – in Harlech and Fishguard when I was, respectively, about six and nine. We visited the castle on the first trip and I went paddling in the sea on the other. Happy days.

Your first trip abroad?

When I was 12, I went to Ibiza, before it was fashionable. I remember arriving there with terrible earache, and my parents having an altercation – after my father had thought to medicate me by giving me some of his whisky. Another memory of that holiday, my one and only trip abroad as a child, is of playing on the Pac-Man machine in the bar. I also went fishing and caught something.

Are you an adventurous traveller?

Well, if your idea of being adventurous is walking to the top of Goat Fell, the highest spot on the Isle of Arran at just under 900m, the answer is “yes”. Mind you, after a walk like that, which I did during the recent half-term break, I always feel that I’ve earned a pint. I’ve also been up Mount Snowdon, Scafell and a lot of the other Lake District mountains.

In the UK, it’s probably Scotland’s Western Isles, which I’ve travelled to several times with my family. It’s a glorious part of the country, and I love the walking and the scenery. Abroad, it’s Singapore. My mother got a job there for a few months when I was 18, so I spent a few weeks there before going to university. In a way, though, the most remote place for me is when I’m on my own, wherever that may be – sometimes even having a run in a park in the middle of London.

Your most luxurious travel experience?

I’ve never really had any. But I love travelling on the overnight ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao. While the ferry is far from luxurious, you’ve got your own cabin, and you’re on the ship for 24 hours – so the crossing has a leisurely feel. I love to look out to sea.

Favourite hotel?

The Cairndow Stagecoach Inn on the banks of Loch Fyne. My family and I, and our springer spaniel Jasper, spent three days in the area after this year’s general election, and one night in the hotel. It’s off the beaten track, but it has the most wonderful location and serves a first-class breakfast.

Tourists at Merlion Park in Singapore Photo: Getty Images

Favourite city?

I’ve visited Granada in Spain several times and have a real soft spot for the city. It boasts a stunning location in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, not to mention some mightily impressive medieval architecture, dating back to the Moorish occupation of Spain. It’s also a very friendly, relaxed city.

Four years ago, when the ferry to Tiree, in the Hebrides, was cancelled. The weather was rubbish and because we weren’t booked on the following morning’s ferry, we had to queue from five o’clock in the morning.

You must spend a lot of time criss-crossing the country for work – do you enjoy the lifestyle?

I don’t mind it, so long as I get to see my family at the weekend. Besides, it goes with the territory – and in a way I enjoy speaking to people around the country more than I enjoy all the Westminster stuff.

Best travel tip?

Charge your phone up before going away, and try not to spend all the time working if you’re travelling somewhere new. Make a bit of time to see and get a feel for the place.

The Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain Photo: Getty Images

Your travel essential?

My running kit. I run every day, if I can – even on holiday. I like to run for about 30 minutes at the very least. Anything less than four miles doesn’t feel like a proper run.

Where next?

I’ve never been to St Kilda and I’m desperate to go in the not-too-distant future. I’ve read a lot about the community that lived there for so long and just think it sounds the most fascinating place.